Travel News Desk The narrow valleys of Aravali and the sharp cliffs of the hills dominate the landscape of Jhalana Leopard Reserve. The picturesque natural surroundings of Jhalana forest and the peace here are very relaxing and pleasing to the mind. The presence of such fine wildlife in an urban area makes this land a different and unique place for nature lovers. Jhalana is a dry deciduous forest. The forest remains dry for most of the year as the trees shed their leaves during the dry season and shed their lush green foliage during the monsoon. The forest of Jhalana is dominated by plants like Juliflora (Prosopis juliflora) and Khejri (Prosopis cinerea). The oblique valleys have a greater diversity of local flora, such as dhak (Butea monosperma), salar (Boswellia serrata), dhonk (Anozicus pendula) and kumta (Acacia senegal).
Fauna in Jhalana Leopard Reserve – Obviously, the majestic leopard is the major and most covered mammal of this Jhalana Leopard Reserve, which is also the apex predator of the region and which comes first in the food chain of Jhalana Forest Reserve. Although the leopard is considered to be a nocturnal, solitary, shy and rarely seen predator that specializes in stealthy hunting skills, the leopards of Jhalana National Park are diurnal in nature like the tigers of Ranthambore and Sariska, due to which they are easily visible during the day, making it one of the most visited reserve forests by leopard lovers. Apart from leopards, the Jhalana leopard Other big cats in the park are leopards, Indian civets, desert cats and jungle cats. The forest also provides food and shelter to other animals like striped hyena, desert fox, jackal, porcupine, wild rat, monitor lizard, mongoose, sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), nilgai and a variety of snakes. Many rare bird species are found in Jhalana Leopard Reserve which makes this place a paradise for bird watching. Birds like Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle, Owl, Spotted Owl etc. can be seen in Jhalana National Park.
Best time to visit Jhalana Safari:
Jhalana Leopard Reserve (the first leopard reserve in India) is open to visitors for safari tours even during the monsoon season from 1 January to 31 December every year, as per the entry timings of that particular season. Most of the protected reserves in the country are closed during the monsoon season, but here are some measures to compensate for this. Although the joy of Jhalana Leopard Safari and the sight of majestic leopards can be enjoyed any time, the period from November to April is considered to be the best time to visit Jhalana Reserve as the weather is pleasant at this time and nature is at its best. Time blooms in its full form, which increases the beauty of the forest.
How to reach Jhalana Leopard Reserve:
By Air: Jaipur International Airport is just 6 km from Jhalana Leopard Reserve, about 15 minutes drive from the airport to the leopard reserve. There are plenty of domestic and international flights connecting the Pink City Jaipur to various cities in India and abroad. To reach Jhalana Safari Park you can take a taxi, cab or bus from Jaipur Airport.
By Rail: Jaipur Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Jhalana Leopard Reserve. Which is about 11.7 km away from the forest. This station is a famous tourist station and is connected to major cities of India like Udaipur, Delhi, Mumbai etc. through direct trains. You can hire a taxi or catch a local bus to cover the distance from the station to Jhalana.
By Road: A direct road passes through Jhalana Forest Sanctuary which connects it to cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Kota etc. which are further connected to major cities of India. So, if you are choosing a direct road trip from Delhi, Mumbai or Udaipur, you can easily reach Jhalana without any hassle. You can go on a road trip in your own vehicle or opt for state bus services to reach Jhalana.
